The stars were out in full force for the 15th annual Pride of Britain Awards, honouring those who make their communities better places to live.

This year's Pride of Britain Awards were a bigger and brighter event than ever, as 2013 showed that there are more an more reasons to celebrate those who show bravery or go further to help their community or selflessly improve the life of someone else.

The awards celebrate Britain's unsung heroes, which this year included Welsh lollipop lady Karin Williams who threw herself in front of an out of control car to save a group of children. The kids also accompanied Ms. Williams to the awards. Attending the awards in a wheelchair, Ms. Williams' modesty was moving.

She said "I just remember standing on the pavement with the children around me waiting to cross, and the next thing I knew I was on the ground with a paramedic leaning over me telling me not to move. I wasn't in pain. I was in shock. I'm not brave. I did my job. It was pure instinct," via Wales Online.

As well as music stars, TV presenters and actors, the awards ceremony welcomed physicist Stephen Hawking, Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour leader Ed Miliband who joined in the celebrations of the country's hidden stars.

Opera Singer Katherine Jenkins Presented A Shot Soldier With An Award For Bravery.

The soldier who was shot in the head by a Taliban sniper in 2011, Lance Corporal Matthew Wilson, was presented with the military special recognition award by Katherine Jenkins and Michael McIntyre. The 'teenager of courage' award was presented by David Beckham to Malala Yousafzai, the 16-year-old Pakistani teenager who was shot by the Taliban after campaigning for girls' education and now attends school in Birmingham.

As he presented Malala with her award, Beckham said "You're an amazing young lady, a very special young lady, and your story has moved millions of people around the world. I'm so privileged and honoured to present this award to you."

The families of the 96 Liverpool fans who were killed in 1989's Hillsborough Disaster were also honoured for their tireless fight for justice. 8 year-old Harley Lane, whose legs and arms were amputated to save his life after suffering meningitis as a toddler, had a surprise visit from the world's fastest sprinter, Usain Bolt.

Jimmy Carr Was Modest In His Own Achievements.

Though the bravery of many was the focal point of the evening, the red carpet glamour helped make the event feel even more special with the stars wearing their finest gowns and tuxedos and interacting with the awards winners to voice a more personal congratulations and ensure that the event was one that the unsung heroes would never forget.

See more photos from the Pride of Britain Awards red carpet in our gallery.